And, action!

Sure.  She's a troublemaker, but do we ever love having her around.

A little bit of mischief is good for the soul.

Wasn't that once said?

We've been neglectful in posting the girl in action, so.  

Here we go.

This is Mercy having a gallop in the Forest of Mystery:

Yeah!

BFF

Mercy's first experience as a foster sibling happened 

when Brownie arrived to Harvey Manor.

Bossy, snarky and all these things belong to me...  this was her reaction.

It didn't take long before things took a turn in the opposite direction.

After 18 months in foster care, Brownie is still looking for his forever home,

all the while Mercy has decided that their relationship 

fits the bill for the popular acronym - Best Friends Forever.

It is often that she puts herself at his side.

(See above.)

Mercy & Brownie.

I'm a dog!

Whatever has Mercy been up to, you ask?  

Answer:  Plenty.  

On September 20, the alligator was promoted to 4-year-old.

Celebrations included a Mercy only outing.

Car ride, deliciousness, the forest of mystery and train watching 

atop a boardwalk bridge.

Mercy continues her work at Canine Wellness Centre 

where she is honorary office manager once each week.

This includes her swim therapy session.  She knows the drill.

Swim, swim, swim!

(Constant encouragement is part of it, folks.)

Still not particularly thrilled about it, but she gets it done.

The good news is that at the end of the day

there are always special treats and toys to enjoy.

A jazzy new spa robe was one of her birthday prizes.

Perfect for keeping our little swimmer warm post pool time.

Yeah, boy!  

I'm a dog!

Shesagoodgirl!

SQUEAK!

Oh!  Is this for me?  Squeaky toy.  Thanks very much.

Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak 

Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak

Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak Squeak

SQUEAK!

Saturday afternoon

Strolling through the neighborhood with a friend.  Sharing a cool spot on the grass.

What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

And so it was for Mercy and her pal, Brownie.

Such a Pretty Me!

Beauty shot of our girl, Mercy.  Just because.

Such a pretty face, 
Such a pretty dress, 
Such a pretty smile, 
Such a pretty me! 

Curb appeal

Enjoying the August Long Weekend.  

Mercy.  Curbside.

Five

Mercy at her foster home.  Five family photos.
Happy is the house that shelters a friend.

Shakespeare

 

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

 

Portia

From Shakespeare's

The Merchant of Venice, 1596.

 

Spring is

Lying in the grass...

Drinking from the fountain (or, thinking about it anyway)...

Surveying her kingdom..

And absorbing some sun...

Get to it, friends!!!

;)

 

Photo Opportunity

An occasion that lends itself to (or is deliberately arranged for) taking photographs that provide favorable publicity for those who are photographed.
Recently, our new friends at Let Me Shoot Your Pet dot net provided a tremendous photo shoot of Boxer Rescue Ontario's available dog, Brownie.  This handsome boxer has been in foster care, waiting to find his forever home, for nearly a year by now.  Jazzy photos are always a good idea when trying to garner interest for an adoptable pet.  Boy howdy, are Jenn Wilson and team good at their job!

Since it all went down at Harvey Manor, herself insisted on making an appearance to say hello to the folks fooling around in the backyard.  She did nothing much other than barking and scampering, but still managed to look adorable.  Here's Mercy.

And the adventure would not be complete without the cuteness of Colby.  Top dog and resident hound, it just doesn't get any cuter than this guy.  See for yourself.

Many thanks to Jenn and Mike for coming to the house, lending their talent and helping us help the Brown Dog on his journey to his Happily Ever After.  It won't be much longer now, Brownie!

No way

Here's the little dog that was not expected to get about so very well of her own steam.  First, this sweet puppy wrestled and played standing on her forelimbs whilst sitting on her hind legs.  Then, she grew stronger and began walking, trotting and galloping all over the show.  Next (much to everyones surprise) she took on stairs without ever looking back.  Up the staircase.  And down the stairs.  All the other dogs were doing it, so. 

This brings us to Saturday night, also known as pizza night at her foster home.  Somehow the dogs know when the call has been made for placing our order.  Wee Mercy asked to join her friends on the couch.  Alright, girlie...she is gently lifted up and onto her pillow which designates her usual spot.

Turns out she wasn't interested in snuggle time at all. She wants pizza.  And she wants it now.  Wait one minute.  What is this?

The dog is not supposed to be able to stand up unassisted in such a way.  Those two legs alone cannot possibly support her 25 pounds.  Or can they?  Turn your back for one minute and this is what happens.  Just have a look at those muscles, why don't you.  There is nothing that holds this boxer dog back.  We will not be surprised when one day we walk into the living room only to find she has put herself onto her sofa cushion all by herself.  It's coming.  Go Mercy!

    Now.  Where is that delivery guy?  And, where's my damn pepperoni?!

Sassy-Go-Lucky

Have you seen this little alligator yet?  Does this sweet girl look familiar?

All kind of questions much like the two above

have been received at Harvey Manor.

To what are they referring, you ask...

Answer:  Sassy.

Friends and fans of Mercy should

recognize a tremendous semblance straight away.

Young Sassy's life story to date already shares many similarities

to that of our wee MercyBear.

Both girls were rescued from a shelter where they would have little to

no chance of being adopted due to their many

health issues and obvious deformities. 

While Mercy is French Canadian and Sassy,

a NYC girl, that 's just geography...

The likenesses go on and are not limited to their good looks. 

Both small dogs have big personalities and are chock full of joy.

Not to mention, spunk.

Obviously, we had to drop a line to Sassy's stupendous foster home to say hello and thank you for taking on such a gift. 

And for being a hero to one lucky dog. 

Also, to ask that we might feature Sassy at The Quality of Mercy. 

We didn't have to wait long to hear from one of
Sassy's wonderful guardians, Milena...

Mercy is beautiful!! We can only hope that we have as much time with Sassy.  We're really hoping to prove the doctors wrong.  I'd be happy to have you share Sassy's story.  Thanks!!

You are welcome and done!

 

Milena created Sassy- The Small Wonder at facebook: 

This page is to celebrate the time we are fortunate to have with her

and for her fans to be a part of her life.

 

Like Mercy, Sassy has a joie de vivre that is both beautiful and inspiring.

Sassy-Go-Lucky!

Indeed.

We wish her many, many happy days ahead.

Fashion faux pas

Oh dear. 

Mercy and her girlfriend, Lucy,

showed up wearing the same sweater. 

Could be the making of a real cat fight. 

Meow.

 

Laugh it off or go home and change...

What to do?

This fellowship is too important to let etiquette stand in the way. 



Love

For twas not into my ear you whispered
But into my heart
Twas not my lips you kissed
But my soul

Happy Valentines Day!

Hug the ones you love.

 

 

Just Because

Some days, words aren't even necessary...

Insert happy smiley faces here.

Like so.

:)  :)  :)

 

All a Blur

Hello, friends!

Once again, we have fallen behind at reporting the quality of Mercy.

Bet you're wondering what goes on with herself?

Here she is shaking it for and on her foster dad.

That handsome boxer beside of them is foster boxer, Brownie.

Don't worry that Brownington is irritated or frightened;

He just isn't keen on having his picture taken.

As per usual, Mercy keeps busy.

There is much business and fun times to share.

Of course, Mercy all a blur happens every day.

Stay tuned for more news.

And soon!

Welcome, 2013

Another year gone by.  Another New Year's Eve has past.

Here's how it went down at Mercy's foster home.

Also...

Additional late night celebration with her foster brother, Colby.

Happy New Year!

 

Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind.
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne.